1,3-Dihexadecylimidazolium Bromide stands out as a specialty chemical often used in material science and organic chemistry labs. Its full chemical name refers to a compound with two sixteen-carbon alkyl chains bonded to the nitrogen atoms of an imidazolium ring, with bromide as the counterion. This structure gives the molecule amphiphilic characteristics, meaning the two long hydrocarbon chains bring oil-like properties while the ionic head allows some solubility in water and polar environments. More commonly, research circles refer to it by its abbreviation or shorthand notations, especially when reporting on experiments involving ionic liquids, surfactants, or custom drug delivery materials.
The molecular formula for 1,3-Dihexadecylimidazolium Bromide is C38H79BrN2, revealing its construction. Two hexadecyl (C16H33) units connect to the imidazole ring at positions one and three. The presence of the bromide ion means the salt can participate in ion-exchange, phase transfer, or ionic liquid formation. The entire molecule weighs in at a hefty molar mass of about 643.95 grams per mole, depending on the exact isotopic composition. Its chemical structure produces a cationic center, stabilized by the bromide anion, which researchers often visualize as a planar five-membered ring with long chains extending at the sides.
1,3-Dihexadecylimidazolium Bromide appears as a waxy solid at room temperature, with a creamy or pale color typical of long-chain alkylammonium salts. Its density has been reported near 0.94 g/cm³, putting it close to lighter organic solids but heavier than many hydrocarbon waxes. It rarely melts below 60°C, so storing it in a standard lab environment keeps it solid. In commercial packages, it comes as lumps, coarse flakes, fine powder, or sometimes compressed pearls, making handling flexible for various lab needs. Its solid, wax-like texture means it won’t flow at ordinary temperatures, but once heated past its melting point, it forms a viscous, colorless, oily liquid. This transition makes the substance useful in thermal processing or as part of ionic liquids with tailored physical properties.
Manufacturers report specifications such as purity (often above 97%), water content (less than 1%), and the absence of significant heavy metal contamination. Other specs address melting point, physical appearance, solubility in organic and aqueous solvents, and absence of additional anion contamination. Analytical reports often include HPLC or NMR spectra to verify the absence of trace byproducts or unreacted alkyl halides. Customers in pharmaceutical or nanotechnology fields seek assurance that even trace levels of impurities stay well below accepted thresholds, especially when used for sensitive applications.
This substance finds a home in synthesizing new ionic liquids, fabricating nanomaterials, and serving as a phase transfer catalyst or surfactant. Its strong amphiphilic nature allows researchers to arrange nanoparticle surfaces, stabilize emulsions, or guide self-assembly processes in soft materials. In drug chemistry, it helps package tricky molecules into nanoparticles for improved delivery. The twin sixteen-carbon chains mean it resists dissolution in pure water, but in mixed solvents or with heat, it helps blend polar and non-polar components for advanced processing tasks.
Like many ionic surfactants, 1,3-Dihexadecylimidazolium Bromide warrants careful handling. It qualifies as a hazardous chemical largely due to skin and eye irritation risk, and swallowing presents acute toxicity. Prolonged exposure to powder dust or solution vapor irritates lungs and mucous membranes. Labs working with this compound stay ventilated, and personal protection like gloves, goggles, and coats keeps direct contact at a minimum. Chemical hygiene plans often insist on sealed storage away from acids, strong bases, or oxidative chemicals. Its environmental impact rises as a concern; runoff or improper disposal can affect aquatic environments negatively, so labs neutralize and dispose of contaminated materials following all relevant local regulations and using certified hazardous waste disposal services.
On paperwork and customs documentation, the HS code for 1,3-Dihexadecylimidazolium Bromide generally falls under 2933.99, which includes heterocyclic compounds with nitrogen. Importers or exporters use this code for classification, tariff calculations, and regulatory declarations. Shipments moving internationally comply with chemical labeling rules, safety data sheet inclusion, and sometimes require pre-notification to authorities in destination countries owing to its chemical hazards profile. Regulatory paperwork addresses safe packaging, limits on transport quantities, and instructions in case of fire or spillage.
Chemical professionals can’t afford shortcuts with substances like 1,3-Dihexadecylimidazolium Bromide. Every stage, from purchasing and storage to use and disposal, needs full respect for potential harm. Accidents remind us—disregard for personal protection and waste treatment lands skilled people and the environment at risk. Labs that embrace responsible stewardship not only protect themselves but also uphold the bigger goal of sustainable science. The lessons from daily practice make clear: training, vigilance, and open communication create labs where this kind of chemical fuels innovation without tipping into carelessness. For those new to surfactant or ionic liquid work, mentorship and hands-on instruction build the habits that keep the focus on genuine discovery instead of unnecessary emergencies.
